On 17-18 October, the second edition of the international scientific conference "Weaving Culture: Cultural Narratives in Central and Eastern European Countries" was held at the Branch of the University of Białystok in Vilnius. The conference was organised by the Faculty of Cultural Studies of the University of Białystok, the Branch of the University of Białystok in Vilnius, and the Center for Polish Language and Culture at Vytautas Magnus University. The event was attended by researchers, artists and students from Poland, Lithuania and other countries, creating a space for inspiring exchange of ideas, experiences and scientific contacts.
The conference programme included numerous thematic panels, such as ‘Myths and Border Identities,’ ‘The Intertwining of Culture and Nature and Their Media Representations,’ ‘Narratives about the Borderlands – Literary Representations,’ and ‘Multiculturalism, Interculturalism, Transculturalism – The Individual and Social Dimensions.’ Of particular interest was the panel devoted to Polish artists working in Lithuania, especially in the fields of theatre, dance and song, which provided an opportunity to reflect on the contemporary dimension of Polish culture in exile.
During the event, a publication summarising the previous edition of the conference was also presented, containing texts devoted to, among other things, identity narratives in neo-serials, contemporary Polish theatre, the painting of Adriaen Brouwer and fan culture (using the example of the Star Wars universe).
Participants also had the opportunity to see an exhibition accompanying the conference, intertwining two worlds – woven fabrics from Podlasie and photographic portraits from Georgia – and take part in a guided walk around Vilnius, learning about the rich history and culture of the city.
We would like to thank all the speakers and participants for their presence and inspiring discussions.
We would like to express our special gratitude to the staff of the Faculty of Cultural Studies at the University of Białystok, who oversaw the organisation of the event.
See you at the next edition – next year!
The strategic partner of the event was the Marshal's Office of the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
